New Here. Feeling overwhelmed, need advice!

[Opicana]

Hi!!!

I'm new to the boards, and new(ish) to Disney trip planning. I've been to Disney several times, but it has been 10 years since my last trip. Additionally, I went with my family when I was college-aged and younger, so I was never the primary trip planner. I've been obsessed with Disney my whole life though, and buy guidebooks every couple of years to read for fun.

I'm getting married in October, and we are planning on honeymooning in Disney World in January (future hubby is a professor, so winter break is our best choice). I've come to these boards to find advice on booking. I'm looking to get my room reservations as soon as possible (so I can start making dining reservations)!

Currently, I haven't decided if I want a package or to go with a room only rate. We would not benefit from a dining package, I don't think, unless it was free, since we are light eaters who like to share meals. My concern with an room only reservation is if a free dining package comes out later, will I be able to add it on? We also have no interest in any "extra" activities...we will be spending all our time at the parks- we are just big kids! Are there any other advantages to getting packages?

There are so many terms and different ways to book that I feel like I need a personal advisor. Do you have a mentor program on this site? LOL

Kara

 

[LarryFmScotland]

Hi there.

First of all welcome to Disboards.

The room discounts and the free dining plan dates that are out at the moment only go up to December 23rd, see keep an eye on here or mousesavers.com for announcements about dates for next year.

If you don't think that you would use the full benefits of the Disney dining plan, I wouldn't pay for it. However I would, and am doing so in September, take it if it was free. I think it's a better deal than the room discount. We did pay for it once and we just about broke even, the upside was I could eat all the expensive things without feeling bad and we had the convenience of paying up front.

We don't tend to use the extra's either, though I'm tempted in September to going back to Disney Quest for old times sake, I used to spend a lot of time there when my boys were younger, they loved it.

We got married there and split our honeymoon between WDW and Disneyland Resort in CA. (Greedy or what.) So I know you will have a great time.

Many Congrats on your pending nuptials.

Have a fun time here on Disboards.

Cheers Larry.

 

[HarkiQuinn]

Congrats on your engagement!

I agree that Free Dining wouldn't do you two much good It's a LOT of food.

Also, if you plan on staying in parks most of the time, I would rec either a Value Resort or Moderate. Moderate just because it's your honeymoon.

Spend the day browsing the Resort and Theme Park boards, they'll answer all other questions.

 

[Kristina4109]

Welcome!

 

[jesswindsor]

Welcome & Congrats!!!

 

[ahuntington]

I am new too! We are taking our second cruise in October and would encourage you to take a look at that option!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

1. Book Restaurant ADRs starting at 180 days regardless of if you have booked a room. You can do that and worry about the room after.
2. Book a room/ ticket package. The more days you stay the cheaper the tickets get.
3. Don't forget to add the waterparks and more plus park hopping. It gives you so much freedom and the waterparks are cleanest in the world.
4. If you need to stock up on things you can't bring on a plane order from Garden Grocer or other delivery company. They are very convenient. Order early to get their discount.
5. Check for special events that might be happening during that time (such as villains unleashed an such) and either book them now or at least stick a reminder on MDE
6. Consider what will take you "out" of vacation mode. There is a lot of construction going on. If its a turn off book somewhere without construction.
7. Back to #1, If you plan on a romantic dinner at Cinderella's Castle book it asap to get the ADR. You have to pay up front but can get refunded later if you need to cancel. Same with Wishes Dessert Party. My wife and I went on our honeymoon and it was highlight of the trip.
8. Do a google search on Disney packing list for necessities to pack. Very helpful.
9. Have fun planning. It's part of the experience of Disney.